Navarro Independent School District

GERONIMO, TX – November 11, 2025 – Navarro ISD hosted its annual Veterans Day Ceremony today on Erwin-Lee Field, marking a powerful return to the stadium for the entire district community for the first time since 2021. Under clear, sunny skies, the stadium was transformed into a vibrant display of patriotism as the entire student body and staff filled the stands, universally clad in red, white, and blue.

The event held special significance as it was the final opportunity for the district to hold this large-scale gathering on Erwin-Lee Field before the high school campus relocates.

Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley served as the Master of Ceremonies for the program, which was rich with student-led performances and displays of gratitude. The ceremony featured an invocation by High School Principal Mr. Clay Scarborough, the Presentation of Colors by Navarro High School's Young Marines Jesse Calderon and Valentino Veliz, and the singing of the National Anthem by Navarro Junior High's Lucy Bading alongside the High School American Sign Language Honor Society. Pledges were led by Navarro Elementary students Scarlett Gonzales and Cristobal Castro.

A highlight of the program included poignant "Lessons from our Veterans" delivered by Intermediate, Junior High, and High School theater students Dylan Rodgers, LJ Bostic, and Kallie-Marie Troeger, who shared powerful personal reflections on growing up as "Military Brats" and the sacrifices made by their service member parents.

The keynote speaker, Navarro High School teacher and 1LT, USA-IRR, Mr. Daniel Meyers, delivered a deeply moving message emphasizing the value of "service above self" and reflecting on the profound sacrifices made by service members and their families to secure our freedoms.

The program also included:

• A breakfast reception for Veterans and honored guests catered by the child nutrition team
• The NISD Choir performing "Veterans We Love You."
• A solemn Flag Folding Presentation led by the Navarro High School Honor Society.
• A tribute performance by the Navarro High School Dazzlers.
• The traditional Playing of "Taps" by the Navarro High School Band Trumpeters.
• A Recognition of Honored Guests set to the Navarro High School Band's rendition of the "Armed Services Medley."
• A powerful Patriotic Finale of "God Bless America," performed by the combined NISD Choir, Band, ASL Honor Society, and the Navarro Varsity Football Team waving a grand American flag.

"Today’s beautiful sunshine was a fitting tribute to the light and freedom our veterans have provided for us," said Dr. Epley. "The participation and unity of our entire district, from our youngest students to our most experienced teachers, demonstrates that the values of gratitude and service are deeply ingrained in the Panther Family. It was an honor to celebrate our veterans and their families."

Dr. Epley further extended a special thank you to Chief Academic Officer Wendy McMullen and the entire Academic Services Department, our Maintenance and Operations Department, Technology and student Broadcasting Club, and our Fine Arts Department for their hard work to make this beautiful tradition for our community come to life. "We especially thank the brave men and women who serve and are serving our country, and we sincerely hope today inspired our students to see the power of serving their communities, whether through military service or in other ways, in their future as well."